Foel-fras

Foel-fras is a mountain in the Carneddau range, standing 944 metres high. It lies about ten kilometres east of Bethesda in North Wales, on the border between Gwynedd and Conwy counties. The peak is the eleventh-highest summit in Wales and sits at the northern end of the main ridge. To the north is Drum and to the south Foel Grach, with Garnedd Uchaf between them. Two reservoirs lie nearby: Llyn Dulyn four hundred metres below to the south and Llyn Anafon to the north. The mountain is the first of the Welsh 3000s reached when walking from the northern end. One route starts at Abergwyngregyn, driving up the road signposted ‘Aber Falls’ past the waterfall car park to a small parking area. From there a track leads left to Drum or straight on to Llyn Anafon before climbing to the ridge between Drum and Foel Fras. Another route begins at Bwlch-y-Ddeufaen pass, following a steep track up Drosgyl beside a fence to where the ground levels off and views open. A small quartz-peppered cairn marks the junction with the larger track to Drum, from where the summit is reached by following the fence line. The summit plateau is one of the best places in Wales to observe dotterel during spring and autumn migrations. An alternative approach starts in Llanfairfechan, climbing past Hengae Farm to reach Garreg Fawr, Drum and then Foel Fras. The wide ridge and open ground offer long views across the Carneddau. Dry stone walls cross the plateau as the summit is neared, guiding walkers to the highest point.